Hi, My name is John Downey. I have been experimenting with electronics and computers for a long while.I have built over 8 mobile robots. Some have been greatly modified and reused as platforms for other projects in their lives.Currently I am working on a humanoid robot. I have decided to adapt a more theatrical look to my creations.In this case I asked my fiance to design the looks of this robot.I asked her to show me what the average person percieves as a "robot".To me it looked "corny" or too Hollywood but after it was finished I was quite pleased as most of my designs are purely utilitarian and thus not very pretty.My hope is that I might actually be able to appeal to a broader audience and commercialize a product for them. I think the robot craze will soon infect Americans once the capabilities of robots matches their expectations.

Projects

Recent blog entries by RoboticFather

Have updated website to include forum for assisting others
with their projects.Have found that Pino DX has finally
made it to US from 2 different import
companies.Capabilities very similar to Open Pino.Cost is
only $165 US.Truly amazing.Has ability for wireless
connection to PC.Voice recognition, speech synthesis,
obstacle avoidance and is upgradeable.There are 3 different
models of the toy but the only one of true interest is Pino
DX.I am planning on ordering one to hack.This would be an
excellent tool for experimentation or teaching.